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Pierre has been standing at the harbour for hours, silently looking out at the vast sea.
Behind the horizon, where he knows by maps and many tales that water ends and is replaced by dark stone, the continent lies. He has never seen it himself, only ever rowing out by boat to the small islands that exist near Lumière. Even a big ship needs a few days to reach the coastline.
He has never seen the appeal to leave the island city. Not even as the expeditions were still around.
Behind the dome lie dangers that would easily kill a simple man like him. And after an equally simple accident has already taken his life once, he really does not want to find out how death feels at the whim of a cruel Nevron.
And so he waits. Waits for those who are much braver than him, people that love the adventure, the danger and thrill of it all. Those that are skillful with blade and dagger, with scythe and cards.
He loves them dearly. Of course Pierre would never ask them to stay. Instead, he makes them promise to return, safely.
For Esquie, the travel between the continent and Lumière only takes a few minutes. And as the mythical ball of joy finally ‘wheees’ into sight, a deep sigh of relief leaves Pierre’s lips. A huge stone of worry leaves his heart, warmth taking its place.
He approaches them carefully after their landing. Knowing that they will take their time now - the rush to return back home over, he knows they won’t soon depart again.
Sciel already looks out for him, her furrowed brows lifting, cheeks turning a sweet shade of rose and mouth cresting upwards as she spots him. At her side - always at her side since a fateful, tragic moment Pierre only got told in whispered, sorrowful stories - Verso’s blue eyes light up as he catches Pierre approaching. The scarred man’s expression softens and he nudges his head in an inviting gesture, his soft black and white curls falling from his face, longer since the last time he had seen him.
It is a wordless approach. And still full of meaning when Verso opens his arms for an embrace, Pierre slotting perfectly at his side with a relieved smile on his face.
He’s finally back in the arms of the man who has become a faithful companion not just of the adventuring Sciel, but a source of warmth and laughter within the walls of Pierre’s simple home. Said man’s hand immediately reaches out and gets caught by his beloved wife, who cradles herself against Verso’s other side, holding both men she doesn’t ever want to miss anymore. Her press of fingers is both comfort and promise - we are back just like we said. We missed you, dear.
The sun sets behind the vast Canvas sea, slowly wrapping them in darkness as they hold each other tightly. But the light within Pierre’s heart doesn’t fade.
For it has finally returned home.
